Nancy Reagan visits former president's grave on anniversary of his death

KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR
Nancy Reagan spends time at the gravesite of her late husband, Ronald Reagan, on the 10th anniversary of his death honored Thursday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley. Mrs. Reagan, 92, has visited the grave every year since his passing leaving a bouquet of flowers.

Former first lady Nancy Reagan made a rare public appearance Thursday afternoon at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, where she visited her husband’s grave on the 10th anniversary of his death.

Wearing a cream-colored suit, Reagan, 92, arrived in a wheelchair holding a bouquet of flowers that was placed on her husband’s headstone before she sat silently at his grave.

Ronald Reagan died June 5, 2004, at age 93.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary since the former president left the White House.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation commemorated both anniversaries Thursday with a special daylong program that focused on his legacy and impact on the country.

Former Secretary of State James Baker, who served as Reagan’s chief of staff during his first term in office, and Fred Ryan, who served as his post chief of staff, laid a wreath of white roses at Reagan’s gravesite during a private ceremony Thursday morning also attended by a Marine Corps League detachment.

“I think it’s hard for all of us to believe 10 years have passed since Ronald Reagan has passed,” Ryan said. “We all can think back to that day and remember it was a time in this country that no matter what people’s differences were, whether they were Democrats or Republicans, we all came together to recognize a great American.”

Baker delivered a keynote speech after a panel discussion late Thursday morning about Reagan’s legacy. Panelists included biographers and the editor of Time magazine.

Baker said Reagan became the 40th president at a low point in American history, when inflation and unemployment hovered above 10 percent and when America’s global status had taken a beating in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the Iran hostage crisis.

Baker said Reagan was truly bipartisan and rarely put ideology above getting results. He also never minced words, particularly when it came to foreign policy.

“He said what he meant and he meant what he said. Leaders around the globe got the message and they responded. With Ronald Reagan as president, as with George H. W. Bush, the United States was respected by its allies and feared by its adversaries. How very different from today,” Baker said.

Baker said Ronald Reagan went on to complete “two of the most remarkable terms of any U.S. president” and his “timeless qualities continue to be evoked by Republicans and even Barack Obama.”

Baker said Reagan continues to remain “a national measuring stick for American greatness.”

“Just as the memories of the titans of Mount Rushmore remained etched in our collective minds, so too will President Reagan’s legacy, a legacy that is robust and a legacy that will last long into the future.”